MANILA – Ilonggo taekwondo jins showed dominance by winning 14 medals in the 2018 International Taekwondo Festival at the Industry Expo Center in California, USA.
The Iloilo contingent – representing the Philippines in the tournament hosted by USA taekwondo head coach Young In Cheon – took home seven gold, five silver and two bronze medals.
The two-day contest closed Sunday night (Monday in Manila).
The Philippines captured five gold medals in individual poomsae courtesy of playing coaches Gunnar Castro (two in master division 41–55) and Floramie Navales (seniors female 18-31); Angelie Perillo in youth; and Myka Lacanaria in juniors.
The delegation’s two other gold medals came from kyorugi, courtesy of Shaun Kieffer Lacanaria in Cadet Male 12-14 and Jean Albert Tunguia in Junior Male 15-17.
Perillo (youth kyorugi and poomsae), Navales (senior poomsae) and Myka Lacanaria (individual poomsae merged division and kyorugi) captured silver medals while the bronze medal winners were Tunguia (individual poomsae) and Lacanaria (junior poomsae).
“It was a good campaign. Even with a lean delegation, we were able to deliver 14 medals. Mission accomplished,” Navales said.
Around 1,000 athletes from different states, including taekwondo powerhouse Russia, Korea and Tahiti, participated in the taekwondo event./PN
